View attachment 221594]]>1865"Building" an EmberSun, 15 Sep 2019 06:07:24 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/building-an-ember.206865/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/building-an-ember.206865/invalid@example.com (NWPrimate)NWPrimate
The more things you get right, the more you can get away with. If you're making friction fire in the desert, or are a master of carving...

"Building" an Ember]]>201Anybody else seen a fire constructed like this?Sun, 15 Sep 2019 04:09:18 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/anybody-else-seen-a-fire-constructed-like-this.257283/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/anybody-else-seen-a-fire-constructed-like-this.257283/invalid@example.com (Rockfarm)Rockfarm
]]>7Friction Fire TuesdaySun, 15 Sep 2019 02:43:55 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/friction-fire-tuesday.44962/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/friction-fire-tuesday.44962/invalid@example.com (IHatchetJack)IHatchetJack
I've decided to set aside every Tuesday evening for practicing primitive fire techniques. It's good to get into a habit of doing the things you love, and this skill can be done anywhere with good ventilation so there's no excuse not to practice it if it's something you love! All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to join! Everyone needs to practice, even seasoned warriors!

No rules here, only suggestions. I'll be documenting my practice through photographs and text....

Friction Fire Tuesday]]>9320American Burnweed For Hand-Drill Spindles? etcSun, 15 Sep 2019 01:40:14 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/american-burnweed-for-hand-drill-spindles-etc.259300/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/american-burnweed-for-hand-drill-spindles-etc.259300/invalid@example.com (OldTomBombadil)OldTomBombadil
I am new to Bushcraft and this forum, and have a couple of questions regarding hand-drill spindles:

1) Can American Burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius) stalks be used?

2) I have a ton of Bull Thistle growing in my area but all the stalks seem hollow w/no pith inside. Wrong time of year to harvest them?]]>9Hearth-Board Materials in Central New JerseySun, 15 Sep 2019 00:57:25 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hearth-board-materials-in-central-new-jersey.259620/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hearth-board-materials-in-central-new-jersey.259620/invalid@example.com (OldTomBombadil)OldTomBombadil
I am new to bushcraft, and have just started harvesting materials for hand-drill friction fires. So far I have some Bull Thistle and Golden Rod for the spindles, and hope soon to find some Mullein and Sun Flower. Can anyone familiar with New Jersey or similar areas suggest locally available materials for the hearth-board that would be appropriate for the spindle materials I mentioned? I am about 15 miles from the coast.]]>Fires in the Rain! or Snow!Sun, 15 Sep 2019 00:26:46 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/fires-in-the-rain-or-snow.259023/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/fires-in-the-rain-or-snow.259023/invalid@example.com (LostViking)LostViking
But last night as I was working to ignite a dirty, precharred, wet, pile of ugly in a light to moderate rain event.

It occurred to me. Many if not most of my fires are built in either rain or snow. Or some combination of both.

So I decided it might be fun...

Fires in the Rain! or Snow!]]>6Clipper Lighters?Sat, 14 Sep 2019 21:44:20 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/clipper-lighters.122508/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/clipper-lighters.122508/invalid@example.com (TinkyPete)TinkyPete
They are a very popular brand in the UK and throughout Europe and they have two big advantages over the bic's....

1. They are refillable with standard cigarette lighter fuel butane

2. They can have their flints replaced, which means when they become low you simply put in a new flint and you are good to go.

Has Anyone Tried One of These?]]>34You can't break these in all at once!Thu, 12 Sep 2019 19:50:52 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/you-cant-break-these-in-all-at-once.219305/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/you-cant-break-these-in-all-at-once.219305/invalid@example.com (Stone)StoneView attachment 511651
Like yesterday, the fire was in part to use up some of my filled friction fire hearth boards and and other detritus from making friction fire sets.

You can't break these in all at once!]]>20Tinder Bundle ThursdayTue, 10 Sep 2019 17:46:48 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/tinder-bundle-thursday.177976/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/tinder-bundle-thursday.177976/invalid@example.com (Badey)Badey
Anyway, the purpose of this thread is to regularly post your tinder bundle practice, and share materials, strategies, etc. that work best for you.

I want this to be for bundles that are blown into flame from an ember (punkwood, charred material, chaga, friction fire ember, etc.).

So, to play, post a picture of your prepared bundle (and say what it is), then a...

Tinder Bundle Thursday]]>456Ferro Rod ResearchTue, 10 Sep 2019 13:01:29 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/ferro-rod-research.258919/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/ferro-rod-research.258919/invalid@example.com (moderncaveman)moderncaveman
I'm working on a project and need to do some research to gather some data points on ferro rods. The research is to assist me on the strongest direction to go in for the development of a redesigned ferro rod system. To get this done I need help from all of you in the bushcraft community. The question is as follows.

What four qualities do you look for in a ferro rod?

That's it! I want to thank all of you in advance for all your help on this!]]>11Holy Oxidizing Ferro Rods Batman!Tue, 10 Sep 2019 04:33:36 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/holy-oxidizing-ferro-rods-batman.259005/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/holy-oxidizing-ferro-rods-batman.259005/invalid@example.com (pab1)pab1
These are 1/2"X4" rods so it would have been a pricey loss. Luckily I caught it early. I read on this site what others were using to prevent this. I decided to try three of the methods. More than likely all three...

Holy Oxidizing Ferro Rods Batman!]]>31Is this chaga?Mon, 09 Sep 2019 01:11:37 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/is-this-chaga.259054/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/is-this-chaga.259054/invalid@example.com (ExAF1N1)ExAF1N1View attachment 791744]]>6Red Yeti's fire snake in use! (proud of my girl)Sun, 08 Sep 2019 19:31:47 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/red-yetis-fire-snake-in-use-proud-of-my-girl.256143/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/red-yetis-fire-snake-in-use-proud-of-my-girl.256143/invalid@example.com (Metaldog)Metaldog
Back in April I purchased a small fire snake from @Red Yeti to take on a 5 day hiking trip in Daniel Boone National Forest. My youngest daughter had asked me (practically begged me) to take her on a father/daughter hiking/backpacking trip. We finally made time to take that trip in May of this year.

Maybe most people already know this or do it instinctively, but I didn't and was appreciative when a friend suggested it. When breaking down a piece of twiggy brush to build a campfire or run a twig stove, don't keep breaking pieces off one branch, taking successively bigger twigs. Instead, work your way around the outside of the piece, breaking off palm-length pieces of the very finest twigs. Keep doing that until your hand fills up or you run out of fine...

https://m.imgur.com/gallery/ZTa4EGK]]>11Stashed BowdrillWed, 04 Sep 2019 19:33:00 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/stashed-bowdrill.258772/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/stashed-bowdrill.258772/invalid@example.com (Ivan)IvanView attachment 789131
View attachment 789132
Yet another kelp cord bowdrill fire using stashed goods. My system has become so routine and easy I had additional playtime. So, I crafted a new drill socket from a disk shaped beach pebble and stashed it at the site for future archaeologists to puzzle over]]>Trench lighter or F&S in 1930sTue, 03 Sep 2019 15:42:26 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/trench-lighter-or-f-s-in-1930s.257646/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/trench-lighter-or-f-s-in-1930s.257646/invalid@example.com (CSM1970)CSM1970View attachment 779582
View attachment 779581View attachment 779580
My latest eBay impulse buy: a repro trench lighter made somewhere way east of here. The cotton cord is hooked by a wire attached to the ball. Pulling the ball up pulls the cord up. Pulling the cord down pulls the ball down, snuffing the ember. This lighter takes no fuel and could probably get a tinder fire going. Originally made to allow soldiers to light up smokes without a bright flame to give away...

Trench lighter or F&S in 1930s]]>36Viking tinder box from the iceMon, 02 Sep 2019 10:06:28 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/viking-tinder-box-from-the-ice.258140/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/viking-tinder-box-from-the-ice.258140/invalid@example.com (VtBlackDog)VtBlackDog
We have opened the box, and this is what's inside!

A week ago, we found a small wooden box melting out of the ice. The find created a buzz on social media and there has been a lot of speculation on...

Viking tinder box from the ice]]>16Punkwood questionSun, 01 Sep 2019 21:52:07 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/punkwood-question.257154/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/punkwood-question.257154/invalid@example.com (chansta)chansta
Yesterday I charred new wood and it worked fine. How can you tell if the quality of your wood is sufficient for spark S?]]>16Rock on Rock fireSun, 01 Sep 2019 20:55:42 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/rock-on-rock-fire.258453/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/rock-on-rock-fire.258453/invalid@example.com (AK Trapper)AK Trapper]]>6Success Bow Drill EmberSun, 01 Sep 2019 18:50:30 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/success-bow-drill-ember.258255/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/success-bow-drill-ember.258255/invalid@example.com (LogCabin)LogCabin
All of you.
I got an ember.
All wood came from my land.
Cherry bow. I trimmed a huge limb that was in the way of grandkids a few weeks ago. 3 holes for adjustment.
Poplar spindle and hearth. Stacked for a few years since we cut it down. Split and shaped with a GB hatchet and the knife I made. (Seen in knives and coffee thread) I had to dry them in the oven to work. LOL.
Hemlock bearing. Lubed with beeswax.
Paracord with core removed.

"Supercharging" Your Ember]]>61Char cloth.... what am I doing wrong?Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:52:21 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/char-cloth-what-am-i-doing-wrong.257611/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/char-cloth-what-am-i-doing-wrong.257611/invalid@example.com (Beach Hiker)Beach Hiker
I have been playing with some steel strikers I was gifted.

After a mildly frustrating learning curve, I finally got "the knack" of it, and am now able to happily start fires. The char cloth I got as a gift from @pellegrino, which was made by @Red Yeti is excellent. All of the strikers are great! Nice, easy sparks. Thanks @gohammergo who sent several strikers and lots of flint....

View attachment 783461View attachment 783462
There are many times when I have lots of Drywood For feather
View attachment 783460View attachment 783461View attachment 783462View attachment 783463
sticks but can only find a small amount of dry material for a Birdsnest for use with flint and steel fire. Today I experimented with the following ( see pictures ), And I am very encouraged by the results..]]>4Adding edges to flintSun, 25 Aug 2019 18:39:35 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/adding-edges-to-flint.257972/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/adding-edges-to-flint.257972/invalid@example.com (chansta)chansta8New Zippo Fire Tools!Sat, 24 Aug 2019 07:46:04 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/new-zippo-fire-tools.219660/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/new-zippo-fire-tools.219660/invalid@example.com (Midwest.Bushlore)Midwest.Bushlore
I got a little carried away and ordered two of the EFK (Emergency Fire Kits) and one of the Typhoon Match Cases.

The Typhoon case is really sweet! It's even larger than the UCO Titan case. The bottom has a cap kind of like a rifle scope would and it covers the striker very securely.

It holds significantly more...

New Zippo Fire Tools!]]>11The pseudo chimney and draft over the fire .Sat, 24 Aug 2019 02:33:22 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/the-pseudo-chimney-and-draft-over-the-fire.257927/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/the-pseudo-chimney-and-draft-over-the-fire.257927/invalid@example.com (riverjoe)riverjoeView attachment 781542
Over at one of the rentals today try ing to burn up about a pickup load of wet and half rotten wood .

This is in the city limits so a bunch of dense smoke will bring FWFD down on me in a minute .

So the challenge is get a really hot fire going to burn up all the combustibles in the smoke .

I have some nice ash which is where this wood all came from in the first place , but I really don’t want to waste the non rotten stuff .

Being an old...

The pseudo chimney and draft over the fire .]]>3Siberian log fire?Thu, 22 Aug 2019 22:53:50 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/siberian-log-fire.257873/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/siberian-log-fire.257873/invalid@example.com (chansta)chansta3Hand Drill MagicMon, 19 Aug 2019 19:32:44 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hand-drill-magic.208286/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hand-drill-magic.208286/invalid@example.com (Ivan)IvanView attachment 445020
View attachment 445021
Here in Southern California I’ve got a special plant, Mulefat or Seep Willow (Baccharis salicifolia); Used by the native tribes for hand drill fire-sticks. I learned that heat treating improves a stick and I enjoy roasting them over a fire they’ve made. I have archaeological info from a Santa Barbara area cave of mulefat sticks which are fire blackened. This must be ancient magic, as it works with many kinds of woods. My photos show a...

Hand Drill Magic]]>50Hand drill: is it common with common woods? (ie, that you would use a bowdrill for)Mon, 19 Aug 2019 05:57:46 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hand-drill-is-it-common-with-common-woods-ie-that-you-would-use-a-bowdrill-for.245377/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/hand-drill-is-it-common-with-common-woods-ie-that-you-would-use-a-bowdrill-for.245377/invalid@example.com (Luke Dupont)Luke DupontEDIT: I meant to title this "Hand drill: Is it possible with common woods?", but I can't appear to edit my title. Admins, please fix if you can!

Hi guys.

I see people doing hand drill successfully with stalks of mullein and other such plants, but I'd like to know just how much the material matters, and how much downwards pressure is required. Would it be possible with soft woods like cedar and cottonwood which we normally use for bowdrill sets?

]]>48So. Fess up. Who uses a Bic lighter? Edit: And hidden GAW ;)Sun, 18 Aug 2019 00:51:07 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/so-fess-up-who-uses-a-bic-lighter-edit-and-hidden-gaw.256097/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/so-fess-up-who-uses-a-bic-lighter-edit-and-hidden-gaw.256097/invalid@example.com (PAcanis)PAcanis
I know how to use a fero rod and I know how to use flint and steel. Maybe not as good as some, but good enough for me. Sometimes I just want to get things going.

So who here uses a Bic as their primary fire ignition source...

So. Fess up. Who uses a Bic lighter? Edit: And hidden GAW ]]>163The Natural Char Thread - (Post What's Working for You!)Sat, 17 Aug 2019 03:17:20 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/the-natural-char-thread-post-whats-working-for-you.181096/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/the-natural-char-thread-post-whats-working-for-you.181096/invalid@example.com (NWPrimate)NWPrimate
I wanted to try charring some natural materials today, so I headed to an old stump for some punky wood. This is actually a fatwood stump and I've found the punk wood surrounding the solid pieces to be a great resource, so I thought it would...

Zippos, trench lighters and match lighters in use!]]>47Flint and 'Steel' questionThu, 15 Aug 2019 09:02:39 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/flint-and-steel-question.254485/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/flint-and-steel-question.254485/invalid@example.com (GoodPhotos)GoodPhotos
I've started a fire (just ONE so far) with a striker and a piece of nice chert that I traded...

Kenneth]]>16Show me your favorite steel (striker).Thu, 15 Aug 2019 01:48:00 +0000http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/show-me-your-favorite-steel-striker.194124/
http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/show-me-your-favorite-steel-striker.194124/invalid@example.com (Hawaii)Hawaii
Darrel's been a friend of mine for over 10 years and I think it was about over 10 years ago I described to him a seahorse striker, this is one of them. throws sparks with authority. I like to use charred punk wood and home made Lucifer's from fatwood splinters. Smell to high heaven......